Magazine Freebies! - June/July 2013

It's that time again, where you can go grab a magazine and get a great product along with it!

Here's what you can get your hands on this month!

Red is giving away a free 15ml sample of Elemis' illuminating beauty flash balm (worth £11.50)!  I'm a fan of the Clarin's beauty flash balm so had to get this to compare!







In time for summer, Cosmopolitan's July edition is offering a pair of sunglasses (3 styles to choose from). I'm overrun with sunnies at the moment, but am quite tempted by the tortoise shell design!

Another summer time goodie, Elle is giving away a Rodial Brazilian Tan in clear/light/dark 58ml (worth £13.50).  I've never really fake tanned so this one wasn't for me.

Marie Claire has a free Ciate mini nail polish and caviar kit worth £10 with their July edition! I couldn't resist this! Have never applied 'caviar' to my nails so will have a go and show you the results!




Company are also giving away a make up bag with their July magazine! You have a choice from 3 patterns!




Need a new moisturiser? Instyle is giving away a 50 ml Neal's Yard Remedies Daily moisturiser (worth £12!).  Sounds lovely, their website states they've "blended "antioxidant-rich acai, bilberry and goji berry with moisturising hyaluronic acid in this lightweight, easily absorbed lotion, for beautifully nourished, radiant, healthy-looking skin"




Not bad this month! Let me know if you're interesting in a review of the Elemis Illuminating Beauty Flash balm!

Did you get any freebies?

Megan xxx

Body Brushing!

Hey guys!

A few years ago, my aunt gave me a body moisturiser set as a present, which included a body brush.  I of course didn't touch it for months, until one day when I noticed a dry patch on my forearm near my elbow.  I then started to scatch at it with my fingers before remembering the forgotten body brush shoved to the back of my bathroom cabinet.  Since that day, I have been using a body brush almost daily!

What is a body brush?

A body brush, on first glance, looks like a typical floor scrubbing brush! It is literally a brush for your skin and is typically made from natural bristles (goat, boar or plant).  The brushes are usually handheld although you can purchase ones with long handles to allow you to brush your back or other hard to reach areas.

Why body brush?

Body brushing is one of the easiest and cheapest ways of benefitting your skin.  Our outter most skin is covered with a layer of cells which are 'damaged' by the weather and our daily activities and die.  These dead cells remain on the surface of our skin until the newer cells below basically push them out of the way and replace them!  These dead cells on the surface of our skin is what causes dullness and dryness.

Body brushing helps to speed up this natural process, exfoliating your skin to get rid of the dead cell, stimulating circulation and your lymphatic system which helps to eliminate toxins. The elimination of toxins also helps to breakdown fatty desposits, responsible for cellulite. By body brushing, you're not only benefitting from an improved appearance of your skin but also an improved level of your health - such as better blood circulation.

When and how to body brush?

I aim to dry body brush every day, in the morning before I shower.  I start at my feet, making short upward sweeping movements (upward movments is important for encouraging blood circulation). I go all the way up my legs to my stomach.  I personally find that I can be quite 'rough' on my legs, but have to be more gentle on my thighs and stomach as this area seems more sensitive. I carry on to do my arms, concentrating on my elbows. After I have finished brushing, I shower as normal and apply a good moisturiser.

 

For me, this is not painful at all, however I know that when you first start dry body brushing some people find it a little painful, especially if you have sensitive skin.  In this case, you can use the brush in the shower, as water and soap will reduce the friction (this of course will also reduce the results you get).  Remember, if you wet the brush you need to ensure it dried thoroughly after.  If you start body brushing and really do not enjoy it, you can also use a firm loofah or scrubbing mitt in the shower.

 

For some people, body brushing daily can be too harsh on the skin. If you notice that your skin is actually becoming drier from body brushing, this means that you are losing too many skin cells daily and so you should reduce to only a couple of times a week.

 

 

 

I know this may sound quite laborious to do daily (i found it such a chore when i first started!), but it soons becomes like a second nature and will fit easily into your daily routine.  You can buy body brushes almost everywhere now, from supermarkets (e.g. ASDA) to specialist stores such as the body shop.

 

Let's get brushing!!!

 

xxx

 

 

Bargains!

I absolutely love hunting for cheap, great products.. where the price is definitely not a reflection of the quality!

Here are some of my favourite ones, which I love and repurchase constantly!

Makeup:

Elf Powder Brush:

I love this brush!  Although it is marketed for use with face powder or blush, I actually use it with liquid foundation.  This blends my foundation perfectly and as it is quite large, it takes next to no time to do my entire face.  Get it here!

Collection 2000 'The hlighlighter'

One of my favourite highlighters.  It is described as a multi purpose illuminating cream stick for cheeks, eyes, lips and body.  I have 2 of these - in 'Maldives' and 'Riviera' and use one of them literally every day (mainly as a highlighter on my cheekbones).  This product is so easy to apply, and blends effortlessly leaving a beautiful sublte shimmer.  They are also very cheap alternative to the Nars Multiples!!  However, these are no longer available in stores :(  but are always easily found on ebay

Collection 2000 'Last perfection concealer'

I have been using this concealer for about 4 months now, after hearing nothing but good things about it.  Although I don't think it actually last for the 16 hours that it claims to, it most definitely does a great job of covering any blemishes/flaws I have, without looking cakey. Love it!

MUA Heaven & Earth Palette

This is a great palette of 12 neutral shades which are very usable!  They may not be the best quality wise, but great for every day wear. These shadows blend well, and when applied over a base, last all day on my lids! At £4, why wouldn't you?! Check it out here

Skincare:

Johnson's facial cleansing wipes

I love these wipes! Although I would never recommend using wipes over your daily facial routine, we all have those times when we really cannot be bothered! This is for those times! I have used these wipes for years and have nothing to fault them on.  You can also usually find them on offer at Boots!

Vaseline

Another product which I have used for years!  However, I never apply this to my lips as I find it quite drying.   Instead, I use this product on my eyelashes and also on my cuticles at night before bed. Never without it! Find it here

Do you have any cheap essential products you love?

Megan xxx

The best Cleanser ever??

For a long time, I was on the hunt for the most perfect cleanser.  3 years ago, I found it!

The laneige multi-cleanser is without a doubt, my holy grail face wash!  Since the very first time I used it, I have not tried, or even wanted to try anything else. 

Laneige is a Korean brand, which focuses strongly on water and natural elements in their beauty products.

The Laneige multi-cleanser comes in a user-friendly 'squeeze tube' packaging, and the product itself is a thick cream.  On a damp face, this lathers up amazingly leaving my skin feeling clean and refreshed. It removes every hint of make-up from my face, without my skin feeling dry or 'tight' (for reference, I have normal to combination skin - I therefore cannot vouch for how this will work with drier skin types). There is also a definite difference in the appearance of my skin - I very rarely have any pimples anymore and my pores around my nose and cheek area are much less visible.

Overall, I cannot fault this product!  The only issue is, that is quite difficult to get your hands on!  I normally have to ask a family member to buy me a couple at a time from Hong Kong.  But, you can get it online from here and here.

I highly recommend this product, as well as the Laneige brand itself!

Have you tried any of Laneige's skin care?

Megan xxx

25 Questions Tag!

I love reading this tag when other bloggers have done it, and thought it would help you to get to know me!

1. Do you apply your foundation with a brush, sponge, or fingers?
I have never actually used a sponge to apply my foundation.  I usually use a brush (the elf flat top powder brush) or my fingers.

2. Do you apply your eyeshadow from light to dark? or dark to light?

Always light to dark.

3. Do you prime your eyes?

On a day to day basis, no – as I don’t wear any eyeshadow (I just sweep some foundation lightly over my lids to keep them mattified.  But if I’m going on a night out or when I do wear eyeshadow, yes – (I use the NYX eyeshadow base).

4. Concealer first, or after foundation?

Foundation first – then concealer.  Or when I’m rushing, just concealer and face powder.

5. Go for manicures, or manicure yourself?

Manicure myself – I love to do it whilst watching youtube videos. Unless it’s a special occasion and I want to treat myself, then I will go for a professional one.

6. Exfoliate lips, face or both?

Both

7.    On average, how long does it take you to do your makeup?

For day to day - less than 10 mins. But if it’s for a night out, about 30 minutes.

8. Do you wear makeup everyday and everywhere?

I wear very light, basic makeup to work and for day to day wear (concealer, eyebrows and mascara), and the full sha-bang if I’m going out for dinner/drinks/partying etc.  But if I’m simply going to the supermarket, hanging out with friends or just running errands on a random day – then I am happy to be make-up free

9. What release are you most excited about? (Makeup)

I don’t really follow collections...

10. What's your weakness? Shoes, purses, clothes, jewelry, eyeshadow, lipstick or other?

I would say lipsticks.  I have a large number of them, some which have never been used once.

11. Do you whiten your teeth?

No, but I want to try the Crest whitening strips.

12. Wax eyebrows, or pluck?

Pluck

13. What do you use to contour?

Benefit Hoola bronzer

14. False lashes, or natural?

Natural for day to day, but for certain events I wear false lashes.  

15. Favourite makeup brand?

I don’t have one specific brand that I can call my favourite.  I use a range of brands that each have something that stand out to me.

16. Liquid eyeliner, pencil or gel?

Liquid and pencil – gel is too fussy for me.

17. Lipstick, lipgloss or chapstick?

Lipstick and chapstick.  I cannot handle lipgloss.  (am I cheating by always choosing 2? Haha)

18. Pigments, pressed or cream eyeshadow?

Pressed

19. If you had to wear only one thing, excluding foundation; what would it be?

Hmmm…Eyeliner.

20. Favourite colour?

In terms of eyeshadow..i would say browns.

21. Favourite colour combination?

I love sweeping a champagne-ish colour over my lid (like Urban Decay’s SIN), and adding an intense deep Taupe to the outer corners and crease of my eye.

22. Natural? or Dramatic? (Eye Makeup)

It depends on where I’m going – but I’d say dramatic

 23. Do you care more for quality or name brand?

Quality

24. Do you enjoy using face masks? If so which ones

I love face masks. I especially love hydrating masks.  I use the Origins Drink up Intensive overnight mask (whenever I remember to).  I also love my Laneige Water sleeping pack (my skin feels so amazing in the morning!). 

25. What is your current addiction? (example: lipsticks, eyeshadows, earrings..)

Lipbalm! I am currently alternating my EOS balm and Burts bees chapstick.  I literally cannot stop myself from buying new lipbalms, even if I have 4 in my handbag at time of purchase! J

I tag anyone out there who is interested to do this! Just leave a link to your blog in the comments below!

Megan xxx

Tips and Tricks!

Here are a few beauty tips and tricks I’ve picked up in the past. Thought it would be interesting to share them with you!

-        Want to keep your face mattified and even? Dab your finger over a stick deodorant and pat it onto the areas that you want to appear more matte and where you want the pores to be less visible.  It works!

-        Want to create a matte lip? – apply one coat of your chosen lipstick, then lightly dust on some face powder.  Follow with a second coat of lipstick.  The powder draws out the oil from the lipstick – giving a more mattified effect. This trick also makes your lipstick last significantly longer.

-        Have hard to curl eyelashes? – run your eyelash curlers under hot water or blast them for a few seconds with a hair dryer to make your own ‘heated eye lash curlers’.  You can also opt to use waterproof mascara as this formula dries faster than the regular one, and will help set the curl.

-        Do you get red patchy skin (like between your brows/chin/cheeks?) – steep a bag of green tea for 1 minute, then remove it from the water and let it cool down. Dab it all over your face, concentrating on your problem areas – the antioxidants in the tea reduce the redness/inflammation.

-        Run out of shaving cream? – use conditioner! I think this is actually better than shaving cream. The conditioner softens the hairs making it easier to shave, and also allows a closer shave.  As an added bonus, your legs are left silky smooth.

-        Tired of your perfume wearing off?- Dab some petroleum jelly (Vaseline) on the areas that you want to apply the perfume to (wrists, sides of neck etc) then spray your fragrance on top. The perfume adheres to this and doesn’t disappear as fast as it would from dry skin.  Also – if you’re wearing a dress/skirt, spray your perfume onto your knees and ankles, as scent rises.

-         Want thicker eyelashes? – With an eyeshadow brush, lightly dust a face powder or matte eyeshadow onto the tops of your eyelashes, then apply your usual mascara over this.  This instantly makes your eyelashes appear thicker.

-        Want to get rid of rough/dry skin? -  Cut a lemon and rub onto the areas you want to improve – (elbows/heels). The citric acid helps remove dead skin.  Be aware that this can also have a lightening effect.

-        Want your make-up to last?  - Typically it is advised to use a primer before and a setting spray after applying your make-up.  But if you don’t own or want to buy expensive primers/setting sprays there are other options: use aloe vera gel as a primer (which you can find cheaply anywhere e.g. here) this works well as a base for makeup. To set your face (now, have an open mind…), open the freezer after you have finished applying all your make-up, close your eyes and put your head close to let the cold air hit your face.  This will help set your makeup. You can also spray a fine mist of hair spray over your face.

-        And my final tip is not to always follow the rules with make up.  Use lip-stick on your cheeks, blusher/bronzer on your eyes etc.  When you start experimenting with your make up and using it in different ways, you will discover so many new looks.

I will update on tips/tricks regularly when I come across more!

 Are there are tips/tricks that you know of?

Megan xxx

Wish List

I am constantly lusting after things (skincare products, make up, fashion) – but do not always have the reflecting bank balance to get them. So..I always have a wish list.  A lot of the products on my list have been there for quite a long time..but hopefully I can cross them off soon!

So, here goes..

1.       Bumble and Bumble surf spray – I have heard so many amazing things about this product! I love the whole effortless beach hair look and cannot wait to try this. 

2.      Zara Sandals – I have a thing for nude heels – and am developing a slight obsession with the Perspex trend that’s going round.  This combines both and is a major lust item for me!

3.       Philip Kingsley Maximizer – As well as loving the beach look – I also love having big shiny hair. This is exactly what the Maximizer claims to do  - give super volume to fine hair whilst adding control and shine.

4.      Soap&Glory Sit Tight intense XS – Anything by Soap&Glory is attractive to me. This claims to be a super strength body firming serum – enough said!

5.     Yves Sant Laurent: Forever young liberator Serum – another serum, but this time for my face. Despite the hefty price tag – I have high hopes for this serum. The fact that it can be used across all age ranges also attracts me.

6.    Murad Vitalic T-zone pore refining gel – Another pricey product but with very positive reviews. It claims to clear and minimize pores whilst maintaining a balance between oily and dry skin.

7.   Nars Velvet gloss lip pencil – Everything that was good about the Matte lip pencil – but with a luminous glossy finish.  Need this!!

8.   Chanel Tan de Soleil – How can I not want this after the huge impression it has had across the beauty world?!

9.   Nars Multiple in G-Spot – I love rose gold. And this is described as a rich, gold infused rose. It is a gorgeous bronzey plum colour with a gold shimmer running through it.  I already have the multiple in 'Riviera' and can’t wait to get this one!

10. Caudalie Teint Divin Mineral Tinted Moisturizer – I am a fan of the Caudalie brand and have  the Beauty Elixir which is amazing! I regularly mix my foundation with my moisturiser to make my own tinted moisturizer – so would like to finally try one.

11. Joico K-Pak Deeppenetrating reconstructor – This contains keratin silicone complex and Quadramine Complex, which both infuse hair with strength, vitality and improved elasticity leaving hair soft, shiny and noticeably stronger.  Who wouldn’t want this?

Are any of these products on your wishlist? 

Do you own any of these? Should I get them?

 Megan xxx

Product Rave – Soap and Glory body products!

This is more of a Brand Rave... Back in December, I received a (huge) soap & glory gift hamper for Christmas.  Being the beauty product hoarder that I am, I had quite a few things lined up to finish before I could start using these products.  But now that I have, I’m in love!

The hamper included:

Hand Food™ hand cream 125ml
 The Righteous Butter™ body butter 300ml
Heel Genius™ foot cream 125ml
Clean On Me creamy clarifying shower gel 500ml
Calm One, Calm All™ bubble bath 500ml
Pulp Friction™ body scrub 250ml
Face, Soap & Clarity™ fresh facial wash 150ml
Off Your Face™ cleansing wipes (25 wipes)
Mist You Madly™ fragrant body spray 250ml
Sexy Mother Pucker™ lip plumper in Candy Gloss 7ml

First of all, what an amazing gift set?! 10 full size products  - all housed in a useful carry case.

Now this was not my first time using soap&glory products, as I’d had the Hand Food Hand cream previously, which I loved! And had also read a great review of the brand by Fleur de Force..So I had high expectations.

Well, my expectations were met and surpassed..  I think what I love most about these products is the scent – it is divine! I can’t get enough of it! You NEED to smell this (I fall short on the scent description area).  The packaging is also really cute and quirky- with a retro 50's theme.

I don’t feel the need to go into detail about each product individually, as I can confidently say that each and every one of them is amazing!  The quality of these products are top-notch and I honestly cannot think of anything bad to say about the range.  The only product I have not used is the Sexy Mother Pucker lip plumper (as I’m not much of a lipgloss girl) – however, after giving this to a friend, she has said nothing but good things about it and claims that the gloss definitely plumps up her pout!  She has however commented that there is a slight tingling feeling after you apply it  - so if you don’t like that, this won’t be for you. 

I cannot rave enough about how much I love these products, and they have become my firm staples!  Unfortunately, the hamper is no longer available, but you can purchase any of the products individually from Soap&Glory directly and also at Boots (who often have sets available).

I truly am in love with the soap&glory brand and can’t wait to get my hands on their make up range as well – which I’m sure will be just as great.

Have you tried any of the Soap&Glory products?
What do you recommend for me to try first from the make-up range?

Megan xxx

Welcome to my world!

Hi everyone, ‘welcome to my blog’ I should say, but world just seems better! Because the things I intend to write about here, make my world.  I have been reading blogs for years, and I have gained so much from the bloggers that I follow and they are the ones who inspired me to start my own. At first I thought to myself, with all these amazing blogs and even more amazing bloggers, how can I even hope to find a place here? But I, like all of you reading this (I assume) have a huge interest in all things beauty and cutie related. All I want to do is share this interest with you, so that we can all revel in its awesomeness.

Please feel free to help me start up this blog. Any suggestions for future posts?

Welcome once again....

Megan xxx